The Storm

Chapter Twenty-Six

Deployment

" O n the fourth day we were ready to roll. Commander Nelson Sage came to our barracks, and we were all packed up and good to go. Commander Sage walked into our room, and we all snapped to attention. Then, with an authoritative voice he said, 'ARE YOU MEN READY TO SEIZE THE DAY?' 'YES SIR!', we all replied loudly and in unison." "And then a speech: 'You men have been hand-picked for these missions, and you are the best at what we do. Make your country proud, men. We are all counting on you. Watch your six and watch out for your buddy. You ARE your brother's keeper. Stay calm and collected and believe in yourselves. You are an elite fighting force. Remember, that when the heat's on, get in and get out as quick as possible. Follow orders, obey the Captain, and get back out alive and breathing. I will see you on the flip side, and I expect a great report from Captain Forester on a successful mission completed.'" "The Commander went on, 'Oh yes, keep the good Captain out of trouble, will you?' A 'YES SIR' and laughing went up from my team. Commander Sage knew just what to say to men that were flying out into the unknown. The scars on his face showed that he had been in the “soup”, as they say. And he had been battle-hardened. It was obvious. The Commander then sounded off again loudly, 'WELL THEN, GRAB YOUR GEAR, MEN, AND FOLLOW ME. LETS GET

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